Regeneration projects across Caithness and Sutherland to benefit from nationwide £2.5m Scottish Government funding package

Projects across the far north are set to benefit from a £2.5 million funding package allocated to causes that work to realise the economic potential of their communities.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced the nationwide support programme today, with funding for almost 80 organisations delivering regeneration projects across the country.

The fund has been allocated from the Strengthening Communities Programme in 2025-26 to continue supporting 62 organisations and begin work with a further 15.

Among the causes benefitting from the funding across the Sutherland and Caithness are:

Go Golspie (£24,000), Assynt Development Trust (£19,200), Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust (£8438), Scourie Community Development Company (£11,820) and Wick’s Heart Development Trust (£22,163).

The funding is designed to address various challenges across Scotland’s communities such as employability, population retention, a need for housing, tourism and heritage initiatives, and the expansion and development of community food hubs.

Now in its 13th year, the programme has helped hundreds of local organisations to bring economic, social and environmental benefits to their local communities.

It delivered projects including the creation of more housing in remote rural areas, building business units to help small enterprises, and renovating vacant buildings to provide cultural and community centres.

The Deputy First Minister announced the funding on a visit to a former vacant department store in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which has been transformed into a community and enterprise hub with the help of Scottish Government funding.

Number 30 The Square now houses a café, cinema, retail space, learning and training rooms, event space, a gallery and co-working centre.

Ms Forbes said: “Local communities are best placed to address their own needs, identify improvements in their areas, and realise their own economic potential. That is why community-led regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government.

“From arts and culture projects, training and employment schemes, to bringing new life to disused buildings, hundreds of places across the country are already seeing positive change.

“Number 30 The Square is a shining example of how a community can come together to improve lives locally. And I’m glad to confirm that this kind of work will continue.”

Jamie Wilkinson, Chair of Huntly Development Trust which led the redevelopment of Number 30 and now owns and operates the community asset, said:

“Strengthening Communities Programme funding was crucial in the formative years of Huntly Development Trust. It gave us the breathing space to focus on developing our vision and strategy, without the normal worry of sourcing income.

“Without this crucial early support, the Trust could not have developed and grown, and over time achieved what it subsequently has.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government have chosen to announce a new round of funding at Number 30.”

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.